Inconsistent Throttle Response/Holding Revs 3.0 5spd

[Ldiggs910]

What's up my new X5world family? I have been at work eating, sleeping, and ... well you know... X5world since I picked up my X5 just about 3 weeks ago. It's a 5spd manual 3.0 with 68k miles on it. Whoever had it before me had televisions and dvds and crazy sound systems and all that. They took the stuff out but you can see where the a pillar covers have been pulled off and back on again and sun visors with the mirrors cut out with only the bare syrofoam showing (lokks hideous) need some visors quick!) and that kind of thing.

Basically someone pimped my ride and then un-pimped it before I took possession. I give all this background because I've been having a problem that wasn't apparent when I first purchased it, but it is now. It may or may not be related because of all the extensive electrical work they did and undid. The radio is jacked up and plays abnormally with very poor reception (if its in cd player mode and I turn the volume all the way down, for some reason I can still hear the fm radio, just barely, but can hear it).

When I take off from a stoplight, the throttle response is not linear. It was difficult to discern before I bought it because I was going from driving a 91 Honda Prelude and this was the first X I'd ever driven. I expected the feel to be different and it was but now I realize the feeling is wrong.

When I take off from a stoplight maintaining the same amount of pressure on the accelerator after having fully released the clutch, sometimes I get a surge of power and my X will suddenly charge forward. When I reach my desired rpm, I release the gas and step on the clutch simultanously like any other normal manual transmission car. Only in my X, for just a split second, the revs continue to build as if my foot is still on the gas. It has the same effect of if I was driving using cruise control and the suddenly stepped on the clutch.

My first $2230 trip to the STEALER (I LOVE WHOEVER COINED THAT TERM!!) had them fix several items but they attributed my problem to a torn intake boot fixed for $350. Of course I dont have to finish the story as I wouldnt be posting now cause IT'S STILL BROKE. AND NOW I'M BROKE!

Does anyone have any insight as to what the problem might be? My guess would've been a faulty throttle position sensor which is what I told the stealer but apparently they found nothing wrong with it.

Help!

Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

[ba82]

My 3.0 5speed does the exact same stuff.....any ideas yet?

[Zulu95]

Try cleaning the MAF. Do a search for posts/articles. Very easy and cheap and can produce great results. It cleared up my binary throttle problems.

[amacman]

hi,possible valvetronic engine in your X5?i have X3 with similar habit,try to drive very gentle and progressive on throttle,i think you just need to adapt your driving style to cope with the variable valve lift.car pulls a bit slow then power surge.when you wish to shift up gear,hold or back slightly off throttle to allow engine to ballance,as though cruising at that speed ,then shift up gear.driving style needs to be same as using non synchronised gearbox (VERY SMOOTH)practice will make perfect,good luck.

[motordavid]

Sorry, I'm no help...Zulu's tip may be good advice.
My '01 5 spd w/65K miles does not exhibit any
driveability problems.
GL,mD

[Ldiggs910]

Amacman, thanks for your suggestions, but the problem is clearly not my driving style. I've owned a Hyundai Excel, Mitsubishi Conquest TSi, Suzuki Sidekick, 2 Honda Preludes, a Lincoln LS, and I test drove a 645i, 545i, and 530i. EVERY last one of the cars I mentioned had 5 spd manual transmissions (the BMWs were 6spds) and I never experienced a sensation like this. In truth though, the problem wasn't readily apparent, as with all new sticks, there is some acclimatization necessary. You won't drive every stick smoothly ass soon as you sit in the seat, even if it is the same exact type of car due to different clutch wear.

BA82, can you describe your experience in greater detail? Like , did you just buy your X as well? When did you notice something was awry? I talked to a guy that works for Porsche from my church and he says something might be wrong with my idle valve? Dunno...

[amacman]

hi,i just thought it may be the peculiarity of valvetronic motor,maybe its just sticking gas pedal or throttle valve.

[ba82]

Originally Posted by Ldiggs910

BA82, can you describe your experience in greater detail? Like , did you just buy your X as well? When did you notice something was awry? I talked to a guy that works for Porsche from my church and he says something might be wrong with my idle valve? Dunno...

Same as you....when you are using cruse control and engage the clutch, the motor keeps revving for a second. Throttle response is strange in 1st gear. At times it is randomly difficult to smoothly shift. It seems like this is caused by bad/inconsistent throttle response.

I just purchased it in April. 83k. I have changed every fluid, and flushed the clutch line/slave.

I have also owned 5 speeds, and the best way to describe the problem is that it is impossible to shift the car smoothly on a consistent basis.

[Ldiggs910]

When I bought mine (68k mi), the intake boot was torn. The dealer replaced it (a small rubber hose-type thing) for $300! Oh I meant the stealer. Anyway, they assured me the problem was gona and there were no engine codes. You'd think they'd take a second to drive the damn car to be sure theproblem is clear after all the money you spend. I just purchased an extended warranty thats pretty comprehensive for $2500 for 4 years 36k miles. Hopefully they'll get to the bottom of the problem. My last service was $2300 at Manhattan BMW.

[Ldiggs910]

And yes, Id have to agree that it is with great difficulty that I drive without a jerky response. I notice the jerkiness and over-revving the most from 1st to 2nd gear.

What I've learned to do to compensate is actually life my foot off the gas a split second BEFORE steeping on the clutch, rather than at the same time as with other manuals. It makes the timing of the rev dropping coincide with the disengagement of the clutch.